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ProblemsByVin File / 2006-TOYOTA-PRIUS
2006 · Toyota

Toyota Prius problems

1 safety recall. 1,438 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
0
Severe
1
Moderate

Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

lighting
866 reports · avg $250
moderate
brakes
186 reports · avg $450
critical
electrical
146 reports · avg $850
moderate
cruise control
59 reports · avg $600
severe
engine
27 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
airbags
26 reports · avg $1,100
severe
steering
22 reports · avg $700
severe
powertrain
17 reports · avg $2,500
severe

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2006 Prius · electrical
THE HEADLAMP OF PRIUS 2006 INTERMITTENTLY GOES OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE PROBLEM GOES AWAY IF THE CAR IS COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND THEN RESTARTED. MANY OTHERS ARE REPORTING THE SAME PROBLEM WITH PRIUS AND REPLACEMENT OF HEADLIGHT DOES NOT RECTIFY THE PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM IS CREATING…
12/31/2010 · NHTSA ODI #10373608.0
2006 Prius · lighting
2006 PRIUS HID HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS FAILED. THE LIGHTS QUALITY IS VERY BAD. WE WERE FORCED TO STOP BY THE POLICEMAN. IT WAS VERY DANGEROUS ON HIGHWAY. TOYOTA IS LOSING ITS REPUTATION. THE COMPANY SHOULD PAY ALL THE PRICE FOR CHANGING THE BULBS. (LABOR + BULBS) OUR 2002…
12/31/2010 · NHTSA ODI #10373634.0
2006 Prius · lighting
I HAVE A 2006 PRIUS WITH THE HID HEADLIGHTS AND WANT TO CONFIRM THAT BOTH BULBS HAVE FAILED. THE DEALER AGREED TO REPLACE THEM UNDER WARRANTY EVEN THOUGH I HAVE 47000 MILES ON THE VEHICLE. I DID COMPLAIN ABOUT THIS A YEAR AGO AND THE DEALER DID NOTHING AT THAT TIME. THIS…
12/31/2009 · NHTSA ODI #10297694.0
2006 Prius · lighting
I HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS MANY, MANY OTHER PRIUS OWNERS, WITH MY 2006 PRIUS'S HID LIGHTS GOING OUT WHILE DRIVING. WHEN I REALIZE THAT ONE OR BOTH LIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT, I FLIP THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH AND THEY COME BACK ON, ONLY TO GO OUT AGAIN WITHIN SECONDS! TOYOTA SAYS THIS IS A…
12/31/2009 · NHTSA ODI #10297712.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

moderate NHTSA 06V188000 31/05/2006

THE INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND SLIDING YOKE IN THE ELECTRIC POWER STEERING SYSTEM CAN CRACK WHEN LARGE FORCES ARE APPLIED AND THE CONNECTION MAY SEPARATE OR THE SLEEVE MAY FRACTURE

THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.

Fix: TOYOTA WILL REPLACE THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND INSPECT THE SLIDING YOKE AND REPLACE IT IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 9, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Common questions

Is the 2006 Toyota Prius reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 1,438 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Toyota Prius has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

What's the most common problem on the 2006 Toyota Prius?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is lighting, with 866 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $250 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The brakes is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Toyota Prius has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2006 Toyota Prius?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,438 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $450, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 1 day ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Toyota. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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